Watch CBS News

Contraception Bill: Pros & Cons

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- This week, DFL legislators introduced a bill called the "Contraceptive Equity Act," which would require Minnesota health plans to provide prescription drug coverage to cover contraception without charging a co-pay.

According to the DFL, women on average spend 68 percent more on out-of-pocket health care costs than men, which is due in part to contraceptive costs.

They also say despite that, 99 percent of women use contraception at some point in their lives, and more than half of women, between the ages of 18-34, struggle to afford it.

One of the supporters of the legislation is Assistant House Minority Leader Rep. Erin Murphy. Watch her full interview below on why she says this bill needs to be passed.

Rep. Erin Murphy

The bill would also exempt health plans that serve religious employers, although those plans would be required to offer contraceptive coverage directly to those employees.

Republicans are not in favor of this bill and say it restricts the options available to women, among other issues. Sen. Michelle Benson joined Esme Murphy on Sunday to discuss why she's opposed to this legislation. Watch her interview below.

Sen. Michelle Benson

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.